Your 2015 Skin Detox Guide

It’s official: We’ve survived another holiday season. Champagne was sipped, sequins were worn, desserts were eaten… but now that the merriment is over, it’s time to deal with the fallout. Namely, our lackluster, dull skin.

So we sought out Jodi Shays, owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spa in Los Angeles, and begged her to help us detox our skin from all those sugary treats, late nights, and party makeup looks.

Here, her essential tips for a full-on skin detox.

1. The Symptoms
If you’re not as bright-eyed and fresh-faced as you were just a few months ago, blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol (and the party season, in general).

“I’ve had my share of sleep-deprived, hungover, and stressed out clients walk into my facial room,” Shays says. “The signs are easy to recognize.” Puffy, irritated eyes and sunken skin are instantly telling of dehydration and a diet full of sugar, salt, and fat (thanks, Christmas cookies). Other tells: lackluster and/or blotchy skin.

2. Whip Up Your Own Spa Water“Aside from having your own IV bag at home (and I understand some people do have them!) I would reach for a low-sugar coconut water,” Shays says. “It contains just as many electrolytes as Gatorade minus any artificial ingredients!”

Additionally, she recommends soaking cucumber, mint, and lemon in your water (this is especially helpful if you find that you’re not motivated to drink regular water because it’s boring). You can also add turmeric powder; Shays says this plus mint plus English cucumber always brings her skin back to life.

If you want something hot to stave off winter chill, Shays also likes to slice up raw ginger root and soak it in hot water. Sip slowly for best results.

3. Replenish Your Skin
Now that we’re properly hydrating, it’s time to give our skin the treatment it deserves (because, let’s face it, we haven’t been very kind to it lately).

4. Repeat After Us: Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
“[Exfoliation] is the operative word here,” Shays says. “During the holidays it’s typical to wear more makeup because there are so many fun parties to attend.” And, perhaps after those parties, we aren’t quite as diligent about removing our makeup at night.

Keeping your face covered in foundation can “suffocate” it, Shays says. It can also lead to clogged pores and a “dragged down” appearance. “You can also prevent the skin’s necessary cell turnover by smothering it with thick foundations,” she explains. This is why it’s oh-so-important to remove your makeup at night. (Shays recommends double-cleansing to truly get your face clean—see her tips on how to do it here.)

Then, settle into an exfoliation schedule. “Exfoliation wakes [skin] up and enables it to do its job, which is protecting everything inside it,” Shays explains.

Use a gentle scrub (she recommends one from Epicuren, because they’re ground extra fine so they won’t damage skin), at least three times a week to get your skin back in tip-top, glowing condition.

“If you don’t have time to exfoliate treat yourself to an enzyme peel or a lactic acid mask,” she says. “This way you ensure you are stripping away excess makeup and dead skin cell buildup.”

5. The Skin on Your Face Isn’t the Only Thing That Suffers
For lackluster limbs, try dry brushing. “I always recommend dry brushing your skin. It’s like a gym workout for your skin minus the monthly fee!” Shays says. “[The process] stimulates the lymphatic system, which aids in ridding toxins and also helps rid the body of dead skin cell buildup.” Start at your toes, and brush upward toward your heart, then go from your shoulders to your heart. “Everybody should have one in their bathroom and use in the morning or before they shower,” she says. We like Aromatherapy Associates’ Polishing Body Brush ($23).

6. You Are What You Eat
It’s time to stop loading up on peppermint bark. “I am a big believer in what you put into your body shows on the outside of your body,” Shays says. So that New Year’s resolution to eat healthier not only helps our waistlines, but our skin as well. Shays recommends munching on “fresh and organic fruits and veggies and plenty of good fats—such as avocados, salmon, sardines.” (She calls these superfoods for body and skin.) If you can swing it, Shays says to go cold turkey on alcohol and sugar for a month—and you’ll see a dramatic difference in your skin.

7. Flawless Skin Repair Eye Serum SHOP
New year, new skincare arsenal. Here’s what Shays says must be on hand: two great cleansers, a scrub or enzyme mask, a “kick-ass” peptide moisturizer, and an eye serum. And, of course, don’t forget the sun block.

8. Rest and Recharge
“And of course the number one piece of advice for great-looking skin is sleep!” Shays says emphatically. Catching up on your zzzs can dramatically improve skin (so no more late nights—holiday season is officially over).